Commuters using the LRT-1 would be glad to know that there are brand-new train sets to replace the old ones soon. The 12th set, out of the 30 brand-new fourth-gen train sets, has just arrived in the operator’s depot in Baclaran.

Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), together with partners from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), and Manila Harbor Center Port Services, Inc. (MHCPSI), has been receiving the Gen-4 train sets in batches this year since the arrival of the first Gen-4 train set last January 18.

All in all, 30 train sets will arrive in the Philippines. They will arrive in batches until completed before June 2022. Every train set has 4 light rail vehicles (LRVs) capable of 1,300 passengers per trip. They measure 106 meters in length and 2.59 meters in width, while they have a speed capacity of up to 70 kph. They will be used in the existing line and in the new Cavite Extension project of the Light Rail Transit Line 1.

The new train sets, sourced from Spain and Mexico, are all state-of-the-art. The driver’s cockpit features a modern design while the passenger area is equipped with indicators to inform the passengers where the train is heading. Moreover, the new train sets are PWD-friendly with special areas for wheelchairs. 

These brand-new train sets of LRT-1 are set to operate in the middle of 2022, after completing safety checks, inspections, and required test runs with minimum kilometers and acceptance tests.

“We are in the service business to give people back their time through a reliable, safe, and efficient transport. Since assuming the operations and management of LRT-1, we have increased the number of trains available to our customers by almost 50% and shortened waiting times. We are happy to continue moving forward with our upgrades and fleet modernization, in line with our commitment to service excellence,” said Juan F. Alfonso, President and CEO of LRMC.